Insights into the Asus ROG Xbox Alliance: Its Features and Details Revealed

Insights into the Asus ROG Xbox Alliance: Its Features and Details Revealed

It's about bloody time we finally have some confirmation on the Xbox handheld rumors, and it turns out this collaboration between Asus and Microsoft is the real deal! Nicknamed the ROG Xbox Ally, this bad boy isn't just a console; it's a kickass portable PC designed for smooth Windows 11 gaming on the go.

Unveiled during Summer Game Fest 2025, the Xbox handheld comes in two editions: the ROG Xbox Ally X, a higher-end flagship touting a black finish, and the standard ROG Xbox Ally in a sleek white shell. Both versions are packing a punch and are set to reign supreme among the best gaming handhelds out there.

Prepare for a showdown between these new portable PCs and Nintendo's latest console. And since they're running on software, their emergence could even help the original Asus ROG Ally and Windows 11 options go head-to-head with the Steam Deck OLED.

Release Date

Microsoft hasn't given a solid launch date just yet, but both versions of the Asus handhelds are set to hit the market later in 2025. Since we're halfway through the year, it's safe to bet they might arrive just in time for the holidays – it's when new consoles usually drop[1][2][3].

It's also worth noting that the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One both hit stores in November. Although Microsoft might not always stick to console launch traditions, it's likely the ROG Xbox Ally will make an appearance in November 2025.

Price

Pricing details haven't been revealed just yet, so you'll have to hang tight to see if these little powerhouses fit within your budget[4][5]. Still, we can make some educated guesses based on current market prices and Microsoft's own hardware pricing trends.

The ROG Xbox Ally X will be the pricier of the two, mirroring the specs of last year's Asus ROG Ally X and its $899.99 / £799.99 pricetag. Considering it's packing a newer Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme APU, though, there's every chance it'll cost even more.

On the other hand, the white Xbox Ally resembles the 2023 Asus ROG Ally in terms of memory and storage, but it sports a less powerful Ryzen Z2 A chipset compared to the Z1 Extreme. This move could help Asus release a handheld for less than the Asus ROG Ally Z1E's $649.99 / £599.99 MSRP, positioning the device alongside the Steam Deck and rivals like the Lenovo Legion Go S[4][5].

Outside of handheld pricing trends, Microsoft might influence MSRPs with its own typical console tier system. If that's the case, the ROG Xbox Ally may price itself similarly to the Series X and S, with the Ally estimated to cost $379.99 / £299.99 and the X going for $599.99 / £589.99. Again, that's a bit of a pipe dream[4][5].

Specs

Ready to get your geek on? The ROG Xbox Ally lineup is armed with specs that are sure to impress, though not always for the better.

The Ally X takes the lead with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme AI-enhanced APU, 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, a full-size 1TB M.2 SSD, and an 80Wh battery. It's essentially a souped-up version of the ROG Ally X, but with a new APU for a performance boost[1].

The white Xbox Ally follows suit and matches Asus' first handheld with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB SSD. Instead of the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, though, it boasts a new Ryzen Z2 A chip that ranks below the Ryzen Z2 GO found in the Lenovo Legion Go S, featuring fewer cores than the original Z1. This should mean lower frame rates than the 2023 ROG Ally and potentially matching the Steam Deck, while the Xbox Ally X should outpace the original using RDNA 3[1].

Both devices sport a 120Hz 1080p IPS display that's similar to the Asus ROG Ally's screen and features Gorilla Glass coating for extra durability. On the controls front, you'll get gamepad elements inspired by the ROG Raikiri Pro, featuring hall-effect thumbsticks, HD haptics, six-axis motion, and a dedicated Xbox button for a console-like experience[1].

Software

Since the ROG Xbox Ally duo is Windows 11-powered, they'll offer wide compatibility with PC games and storefronts. Normally, that comes with the downside of wrestling with an unoptimized OS for portable play. But Microsoft is incorporating an immersive Xbox full-screen experience that puts GameBar front and center[1].

In other words, when you power up the handheld, you'll be greeted by Xbox GameBar instead of a Windows 11 desktop. From there, you can access a bunch of installed games, services like Game Pass, and apps like Battle.net and Steam in a console-like fashion. You'll also be able to tweak system settings using Armoury Crate integration, making performance options and controller mapping a breeze[1].

Already rocking a Steam Deck? Check out the best accessories and docks to enhance your experience. And if you're in the market for a console-flavored device, keep an eye out for news on the Nintendo Switch 2![6][7]

1. The Xbox Series X rumors regarding a handheld device are now confirmed, with the collaboration between Asus and Microsoft leading to the ROG Xbox Ally.
2. This portable PC is designed for smooth Windows 11 gaming on the go, unveiled during Summer Game Fest 2025.
3. Two editions of the Xbox Ally are planned: the ROG Xbox Ally X in a black finish and the standard ROG Xbox Ally in a white shell, both promising top-tier performance.
4. Coming later in 2025, these new portable PCs may challenge Nintendo's latest console and potentially compete with the Asus ROG Ally, Windows 11 options, and the Steam Deck OLED.
5. Although Microsoft has not announced a specific launch date, rumors suggest the ROG Xbox Ally could arrive during the holiday season, following console traditions.
6. Details on pricing for the Xbox Ally lineup are still unknown, making it uncertain whether these devices will fit within consumers' budgets.
7. Compared to other handheld devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S, the white Xbox Ally might position itself as a more affordable option, with hardware slightly below the original ROG Ally Z1E.
8. Spec-wise, the ROG Xbox Ally X boasts an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme AI-enhanced APU, 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, a full-size 1TB M.2 SSD, and an 80Wh battery for enhanced performance.
9. In contrast, the standard Xbox Ally will feature a Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512GB SSD, offering a balance between price and power compared to its counterparts.

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